Operating mechanism for pressing machines



Nov. 19, 1940. G, A BRAUN 2,221,755

v OPERATING MECHANISM FOR PRESSING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESS. 7 G I INVENTOR. 77M 0AM A "Bum/Wm,

W BY

A TTORNEY Nov. 19, 1940. G. A. BRAUN OPERATING MECHANISM FOR PRESSING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

WITNESS Gaiuw. A B

BY ATTORNEY WWW Patented Nov. 19, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT QFCE OPERATING MECHANISM FOR PRESSING MACHINES York Application July 26., 1937, Serial No. 155,641

18 Claims.

This invention relates to the operation of two machines adjacent one another, and particularly two laundry presses where the operator is required to make a lay on one press while goods or a garment is being pressed on the other press, and, vice versa, so that the operator is required to alternately close one press and open the other press continuously during working hours. Such work becomes very monotonous and tiresome so that the work is considerably slowed up and de layed. The invention to be described herein also relates to a single press and particularly to the control means therefor.

The objects of this invention are to relieve the operator of much tiresome work, to have the machine turn out considerably more work without fatiguing the operator, to have the operator only move from on press to the other without manipulating any lever and have the one press open and the other press close, and to provide a safety measure which will immediately open the press should the operator for some reason or other attempt to place one hand under the lowering press head.

Other objects of the invention will be more or photoelectric cells. The photoelectric cellsare arranged in pairs located a short distance apart and having a beam of light directed into them, so that when the beam of light directed into a photoelectric cell is broken, it will cause an electric switch to close. Mechanism is provided whereby the electric circuit which leads to the closing press is broken when said press reaches its final closed position, so that the two photoelectric cells controlling said press will have no eifect on. the press when the light beam directed into them is broken. However, the other two photoelectric cells controlling the other press will be affected by such shadow, and said press will move toward a closed position, and when it reaches its final closed position the electric circuit afi'ected by its two photoelectric cells will be broken. Such broken circuit will be restored only after the press has moved a long distance towards its open position, so until a press is substantially fully open neither control circuit is efiective.

To describe my invention so that others versed in the art to which it pertains can make and use the same, I have illustrated it on the accompanying two sheets of drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in whichzi Figure 1 is a perspective view showing two laundry presses arranged and equipped with operating mechanism embodied in my invention.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the operating parts.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout both views.

A shirt press 3 and a collar and cuiT press i are shown, preferably arranged at an angle to one another, and a pedestal 5 is preferably arranged between the two presses. The base of the pedestal 5 is hollow and contains the neces sary electric and air devices to be described. At a convenient height and location the pedestal is provided with two pairs of photoelectric'cells i5, 7, 8 and 9 arranged so that beams of light H31 emanating from a light source H are directed into them. The photoelectric cells 6 and l are located close together and the photoelectric cells 8 and 9 are similarly located close together, so that a human hand, or other small object, when placed over a pair of photoelectric cells will break or interrupt the beam of light and cast a shadow on both the cells. Therefore, when two hands are placed over the two pairs of photoelectric cells, a shadow will be cast over all four cells 6, l, 8 and 9. However, only one cell under one hand and one cell under the other hand are electrically connected to cause the closing of one press, so that the shadow cast affects only one press and the other press is afiected by the closing operation of the first named press. The operation is repeated for each press, and therefore the presses may be alternately opened and closed by the shadows of both hands cast upon the photoelectric cells.

In Figure 2, the photoelectric cells 6, l, 8 and 9 are shown at the top of the sheet and the air cylinders 3' and 4' which operate the presses 3 and 4 are shown at the bottom. The compressed air supply pipe. 92, which leads from a source of compressed air (not shown), is shown connected to the valve l3, and an exhaust pipe M leads air from the valve to atmosphere. Said valve it has two positions, in one of which compressed air will enter the valve through pipe 12 and pass into pipe I5, and exhaust air will pass from pipe I6, through the valve, and out pipe 14 to atmosphere. Obviously, the other position of valve 13 will connect the air supply pipe !2 with pipe l6 and will connect pipe IS with the exhaust pipe M. The valve I3 is operated by either of the valve stems IT or |8 through the link and lever connections I9 and 2B therewith.

It may be said that all the parts shown in Figure 2, with the exception of the photoelectric cells 6, I, 8 and 9, to the left of a vertical line drawn through valve l3, are associated with cylinder 4 and those parts to the right of said line are associated with cylinder 3', and both groups are counterparts of one another and are constructed alike.

The valve stems I and I8, being operatively connected to valve l3, must move in unison, i. e., when one moves up the other one moves down and vice versa. The valve stem I! is depressed by the movable armatures of magnets 2| and 22, whereupon the valve stem I8 is raised through the links 20 and I9 which are connected with the valve stem H, the lever connected with the valve l3, and links I9 and 23 which are connected with the valve stem I8. The armatures of magnets 23 and 24 depress the valve stem I38 and at the same time the valve stem is raised through the same linkage to which reference has just been made. The magnets 2! and 22 are energized by interruption of the light beams to eachof the photoelectric cells B and 8, while the magnets 23 and 24 are energized when the light beams directed upon photoelectric cells I and 9 are intercepted. When the photoelectric cells I and 9 do not have light projected thereupon, the magnets 23 and 24 will be energized, which propels the armature of each electromagnet down so that these armatures simultaneously engage an arm 25 and move the valve stem l8 down to the position shown in the drawings.

The pivoted arm 25, provided on the upper end of each valve stem I! and i8, requires that both magnets be energized to depress the valve stem. If only one of the two magnets is energized, one end of the arm 25 will be moved down, but the arm will pivot and hence will not move the valve stem to which it is pivoted. It is evident, therefore, that both electromagnets 2| and 22 or 23 and 24 must be energized in order to prevent pivoting of the arms 25, and hence enable operation of their respective valve stem. Thus it will be understood that both photoelectric cells 1 and 9 must have a shadow on them to move the valve stem l8 downwardly and both photoelectric cells 6 and 8 must have a shadow on them to move the valve stem downwardly.

Since the photoelectric cells 6 and I and also 8 and 9 are closely adjacent to each other for the sake of convenience and simplicity in construction, it is difficult to intercept the light beam to one of these cells 3 or and 8 or 9 without intercepting the light beam directed upon the other and thereby normally energizing each photoelectric cell circuit. Means are provided so that one pair of magnets 2| and 22 or 23 and 24 always has the source of electric power shut off from them, so that only one set of photoelectric cells 6 and 8 or and 3 are effective and only one valve stem H or It can be depressed.

The electrical connections to all four photoelectric cells are the same and, therefore, similar reference numerals will designate the similar parts. Each photoelectric cell is connected to a suitable operating circuit, which may include an amplifier, if necessary, and a relay or switch which is adapted to be open when light falls on the cell and closed when the light is cut off. Such a circuit to be used with a photoelectric cell is well known in the photoelectric cell art. These operating circuits are indicated at 6', I, 8', and 9' and are respectively connected to the cells 6, 1, 8, and 9. The relay in each circuit may have one contact connected by a wire 26 to a source of electric current 21, thence by wire 28 to one side or contact of its respective disconnecting switch 3|, 32, 33 or 34, the other side or contact of this switch being connected by wire 29 to one end of a magnet coil 2|, 22, 23 or 24, respectively, and thence by wire 30 to the other contact of the photoelectric cell relay. The switches 3|, 32, 33 and 34, referred to in said connections or circuits, are opened and closed by the movement of pistons in cylinders 4 and 3, e. g., the piston in cylinder 4' operates the switches 3| and 32, while the piston in cylinder 3' operates the switches 33 and 34. When air pressure is in cylinder 3 and the piston is at the outer end of its stroke, as shown in Fig. 2, the switches 33 and 34 are opened to break the circuits controlled by photoelectric cells I and 9. At the same time there is no air pressure in cylinder 4' and the piston is at the inner end of its stroke, and the switches 3| and 32 are closed to complete the electric circuit through the relays controlled by photoelectric cells 6 and 8, as shown in the drawing.

Besides moving their respective switches 3| and 32, and 33 and 34, each piston in cylinders 4' and 3 moves a pair of valves 35 and 36, 31 and 38, respectively, which control the passage of compressed air to and from the motors or cylinders. As shown in the drawings, when the piston in the cylinder 3' is at the end of its outer stroke, the cross bar 39, which is rigid with the piston, will have moved valve 31 to an open position and valve 38 to a closed position. At the same time the piston in cylinder 4 will be at the end of its inner stroke, and the arm 43, which is rigid with the piston, will have moved valve 35 to a closed position and valve 36 to an open position. When the pistons are in a position reversed from that described, the positions of the four valves are likewise reversed.

The valve 36 has an extending arm 4| which moves the bar 42 to either open or close the switches 3| and 32 each time the valves 35 and 36 are moved in one or the other direction, and, similarly, valve 38 has an extending arm 43 which moves the bar 44 to close or open the switches 33 and 34 each time the valves 3'! and 38 are moved in a particular direction. Thus it is noted that the valves 35 and 36 and the switches 3| and 32 are moved in unison With the movement of the piston in cylinder 4' to which they are connected, and also that valves 3? and 38 and switches 33 and 34 are moved in unison with the movement of the piston in cylinder 3' with which they are connected. As a matter of fact, both groups act in unison because the pistons in both cylinders 4' and 3' move at the same time, but in reverse direction, and practically at the same speed.

Each valve stem i! and I8 is preferably made rigid with two valves, the stem i7 carrying the valves 45 and 4B and the stem I8 carrying the valves 41 and 48. Valves 45 and 43 are in valve housing 49 and valves 4'! and 48 are in valve housing 50. Valves 45 and 4'! control the passage of compressed air to the motors or cylinders, and valves 46 and 48 control exhaust ports by which air is exhausted from the cylinders. 45 and 46 are moved from one position to the other, i. e.. from open to closed and vice versa, by

The valves the magnets 2|, 22, and the valves 4'! and 48 by the magnets 23, 24.

The pipe I 6 forms a connection between the valve [3 and valve 45, and the pipe l5 forms a connection between valve l3 and valve 41. The pipe 5| connects the valve with the cylinder 4' and a pipe 52, which branches therefrom, connects pipe 5| with one side of the valve 35, and a pipe 53 connects the other side of valve 35 with pipe IS. A pipe 54 connects cylinder 4' with one side of the valve 36 and pipe 55 connects the other side of the valve 36 with exhaust valve 46. The pipes on the right-hand side of Figure 2 for the cylinder 3 are connected in a similar manner; thus pipe l5 connects valve l3 with valve 41, pipe 56 connects valve 41 with the cylinder 3', branch pipe 51 connects pipe 56 with valve 31, pipe 58 connects valve 31 with pipe l5, pipe 59 connects cylinder 3' with valve 38, and pipe 60 connects valve 38 with exhaust valve 48.

Suitable springs 6| are connected between the cross bars 39 and a stationary point, such as the bars 62 secured to; the ends of the cylinders, to normally hold the pistons at the inner end of their stroke when the compressed air is shut ofi.

To use the presses, the operator first turns on the compressed air and the electric power by turning the valve 63, Figure 1, connected in the compressed air line l2, and the switch 64, which will bring the upper jaw or head of one of the presses, say press 3, to a raised position. The operator makes the lay of the garment on the lower jaw or buck of said press, and in moving from press 3 towards press 4, simply permits one hand to come to rest over the photoelectric cells 6 and 1, and the other hand over the photoelectric cells 8 and 9. The hands interrupt the beams of light to the photoelectric cells 6 and I, 8 and 9, so that the head of press 3 will close upon the buck and the head of press 4 will move upwardly or open the press. The parts are then in the position as shown in Figure 2. The operator then proceeds to make the lay of the garment on press 4, and thereafter in passing to press 3 permits the hands to come to rest over the photoelectric cells 6, I and 8, 9 which will cause press 4 to close and press 3 to open. This alternate operation of the presses is then con tinued.

Should the operator, during any of these operations attempt to place one hand under the closing press head, the removal of said hand from over the photoelectric cell will immediately cause the closing head to move upwardly or open, and thus remove all danger of the operators hand being crushed and burned. This may be understood if the arrangement of the parts of ,F'igure 2 is considered. Suppose the operator places her hands over the photoelectric cells when the parts are in the position shown. The magnets 2| and 22 will then be energized which will shift the valve stems I1 and I8 to the opposite position from that shown. This will cause air to pass through the valve l3, through the pipe l5, through the valve 45 and the pipe 5| to the lower end of the cylinder 4, thus starting the piston of this cylinder in the upward direction. It will be noted, however, that valve 36 is open, and hence air will also try to pass through the valve 36 and pipe 55 and valve 46 tothe atmosphere. But valve 46 is held closed by the action of the magnets 2| and 22. If, then, either magnet 2| or 22 is deenergized by the removal of one hand or the other from over the photoelectric cell,

the armature of that particular magnet .will return to its normal upward position, permitting the bar 25 to pivot about its pivotal point and the valve stem IT to be forced upwardly by the pressure of the air against the exhaust valve 46. This will close the inlet valve 45 and the action of the springs 6| will return the head of the press to its open position, air passing out of the cylinder through the valve 46. As soon as the operator replaces both hands over the photo-- electric cells 6, I, and 8, 9, the press head will again move down to a pressing position.

It will be understood that after one press has been substantially or completely closed so that a hand could not be placed in a dangerous position between the jaws thereof, the hands can be removed from the photoelectric cells and the press head will move down to final pressure.

To understand this actionattention is again directed to the parts as they stand in Figure 2. The piston in cylinder 3' is at the limit of its outward movement and under pressure; its cross bar 39 has opened valve 31, closed valve 38 and opened switches 33 and 34. Valve l3 remains in the position to which it has been last moved by magnets 23 and 24 when they were energized by a shadow being cast over photoelectric cells 1 and 9, whereby the air pressure from pipe I2 passes through pipe l5, and follows two paths to pipe 56 and thence to the cylinder 3. The one path from pipe |5is through pipe 58, valve 3'! and pipe 5?, while the other path from pipe I5 is through valve 41 and to pipe 56. Valve 38 now being closed, no air under pressure can act against valve 48, and hence valve stem l8 remains at its lowermost position; even though the armatures of magnets 23 and 24 have been raised by the deenergization of the magnets when the hands were removed Thus the head of press 3 is held down under pressure.

By this action the operator is assisted in turning out a larger production and is positively protected from all damage to the body; at the same time the monotonous, tiresome and fatiguing labors are removed.

The next time the operator places the hands over the photoelectric cells 6, 1, and 8, 5, only the magnets 2| and 22 will be energized because the other two magnets are switched off from the source of electricity by the two switches 33 and 34 being open, and hence the magnets 2| and 22 will move Valve stem- |1 down, which opens valve l3 to pass compressed air from pipe l2 to pipe Hi. The magnets also open valve 45 and close valve 46; thus the air pressure will pass from valve l3 through pipe l6, through valve 45, through pipe 5|, to cylinder 4. While the operators hands remain over the photoelectric cells 6 and 8, the piston in cylinder 4' moves out under pressure, and at the final movement the cross bar 38. moves valve 35 to an open position to feed air directly from pipe l6 to the cylinder, moves valve 36 to a closed position to prevent the raising of the valve stem when the magnets are deenergized. and moves the switches 3| and 32 to open positions. Thus the control of press 4 is taken away from the operator and the head of the press is held down under final air pressure.

At the same time that the piston in cylinder 4' moves out under air pressure, the piston in cylinder 3 is moved in by springs 6|, while the air from said cylinder 3' is exhausted through pipe 56, pipe 51, valve 31, pipe 58, pipe l5, and valve |3 to atmosphere through pipe I4. Of course, it will be understood that while the piston incylinderf3' is movingout' under air pressure, the piston in cylinder 4 is beingsmoved in by springs 6|, and the air from said cylinder 1" is exhausted through pipe 5|, pipe 52, valve 35, pipe 53, pipe l6, and valve I3 to atmosphere through pipe M. It will also be understood that as the piston of either cylinder reaches the final movement of its inward stroke underpressure of the contracting coiled springs 6|, the arm 40, rigid with the piston rod, will in the case of cylinder 3', close valve 31, open valve 38, and close switches 33 and 34, but in case of cylinder l, will close valve 35, open valve 35, and close switches 3| and 32.

To guard against the operator casting a shadow on the photoelectric cells after the piston in either cylinder has reached the limit of its inward stroke and thereby reversing the movement of the pistons, mechanism is provided to prevent the closing of one switch 32 or 33 in the active circuit until the operator has had a sulficient length of time to start'making the lay on the open press. Said mechanism comprises a dash-pot in which the piston moves slowly and the movement of said piston determines the length of time that the operation of the presses is placed out of commission. Said mechanism is illustrated in Figure 2 which shows strips of insulation 65 arranged to be moved between the contacts of switches 32 and 33 to prevent the magnets 22 and 23 from being energized. Each strip of insulation 65 is secured to the end of a lever 66, each lever being pivoted .at a point 61 between its ends and connected at its other end to one end of a link 68. The other end of each link is connected to one arm of a bell crank lever 69, the other arm of which is connected to a link 10 which has its other end connected to a lever ll. Each lever TI is pivoted at 12 and has its other end in the path of a pair of plates 13, one of which is rigid with each core of magnets 2!, 22, and 23, 24. When the magnets are energized, they tend to move the strips of insulation 65 between the contacts of switches 32 and 33, but if said switches are closed the springs 14 provided for the purpose in the links 68 will be compressed. It will be understood that the strips of insulation 65 placed between the contacts of switches 32 and 33 will prevent the turning of valve l3 because the magnets cannot be energized. To delay the withdrawal of the strips of insulation from the switches 32 and 33, dashpots 16 are provided to sufiiciently slow up the movement necessary to withdraw the stripsof insulation 65 from the switches 32 and 33-. Counterbalance weights [5 -may be provided on the arms H to adjust the action of the dashpots. The stationary frame, to which the several arms and levers are pivoted, is indicated by ll. The size, arrangement and construction of the parts can be changed without in the least departing from the scope of the invention.

This invention is presented to fill a need for improvements in operating mechanism for press ing machines. It is understood that various modifications in structure, as well as changes in mode of operation, assembly, and manner of use, may and often do occur to those skilled in the art, especially after benefiting from the teachings of an invention. Hence, it will be understood that this disclosure is illustrative of preferred means of embodying the invention in useful form by explaining the construction, operation and advantages thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor means of a garment or laundry press having two intermittent steps to complete a cycle of operation comprising valve means for applying power to the motor means to close the press, for holding the press closed and for opening the press, including at least one valve, and an equalizing device operatively connected to the valve; and operating means to actuate the latter including a pair of solenoids, one of which engages one side of said device and the other engages the other side so that actuation of both solenoids is necessary to actuate the valve means, a light-sensitive device and circuit controlling energization of each solenoid, and a light source directing a beam upon each light-sensitive device, interruption of which beams actuates the solenoids which actuate the valve means from one position to the other position each time the beam is interrupted.

2. A mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor means of a garment or laundry press having two intermittent steps to complete a cycle of operation comprising motor means having a power stroke and a return stroke; valve means for applying power to the motor means to close the press, for holding the press closed and for opening the press, including at least one valve, and an equalizing device operatively connected to the valve means; operating means to actuate the latter including a pair of solenoids, one of which engages one side of said device and the other engages the other side so that actuation of both solenoids is necessary to actuate the valve means, a light-sensitive device and circuit controlling energization of each solenoid, a light source directing a beam upon each lightsensitive device, interruption of which beams actuates the solenoids and the valve means from one position to the other position each time the beam is interrupted, and a switch in each circuit; and means controlled by the motor means to open the switches at the end of the power stroke and to close the switches upon the return stroke.

3. A mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor means of a garment or laundry press having two intermittent steps to complete a cycle of operation comprising motor means having a power stroke and a return stroke; valve means for applying power to the motor means to close the press, for holding the press closed and for opening the press, including an inlet valve and an exhaust valve connected to operate in unison, a lever pivotally connected at its center to the valves, a by-pass inlet valve, and a by-pass exhaust valve; operating means to actuate the inlet valve and exhaust valve including a pair of solenoids, one of which engages one side of the lever and the other engages the other side so that actuation of both solenoids is necessary to actuate the valve, means, a light-sensitive device and circuit controlling energization of each solenoid, and a light source directing a beam upon each lightsensitive device, interruption of which beams actuates the solenoids and the valve means from one position to the other position each time the beam is interrupted; and means controlled by the motor means to open the bypass inlet valve and close the by-pass exhaust valve at the end of the power stroke and to close the by-pass inlet valve and open. the by:

pass exhaust valve at the end of the return stroke.

4. A garment or laundry press having two intermittent steps to complete a cycle of operation comprising motor means having a power stroke and a return stroke; valve means for applying power to the motor means to close the press, for holding the press closed and for opening the press, including an inlet valve and an exhaust valve connected to operate in unison, a lever pivoted to said valve means, a by-pass inlet valve and a by-pass exhaust valve; operating means to actuate the inlet valve and the exhaust valve including a pair of solenoids, one of which engages the lever on one side of said valve means, and the other engages the lever on the other side of said valve means so that actuation of both solenoids is necessary to actuate the valve means, a light-sensitive device and circuit controlling energization of each solenoid, a light source directing a beam upon each lightsensitive device, interruption of which beams actuates the solenoids which actuates the inlet valve and the exhaust valve from one position to the other position each time the beam is interrupted, and a switch in the circuit; and means controlled by the motor means to open the switches, open the by-pass inlet valve and close the by-pass exhaust valve at the end of the power stroke and to close the switches, close the by-pass inlet valve and open the by-pass exhaust valve at the end of the return stroke.

5. A tandem garment or laundry press combination, each press having two intermittent steps to complete a cycle of operation comprising motor means for each press having a pow-er stroke and a return stroke; a two-way valve to connect the power supply alternately to the motor means; valve means for each motor means to apply power thereto to close the press, for holding the press closed and for opening the press, including an inlet valve and an exhaust valve connected together and with the two-way valve to operate in unison so that the two-way valve and the inlet valve for a respective press are open at the same time, a lever pivoted to the valves, a by-pass inlet valve, a by-pass exhaust valve; operating means for each motor means to actuate the two-way valve, the inlet valve and the exhaust valve including a pair of solenoids, one of which engages the lever on one side of the pivot point and the other engages the lever on the other side of the pivot point so that actuation of both solenoids is necessary to actuate the valve means, a light-sensitive device and circuit controlling energization of each solenoid, a light source directing a beam upon each light-sensitive device, interruption of which beams actuates the solenoids which opens the inlet valve and closes the exhaust valve each time the beam is interrupted, and a switch in the circuit; and means controlled by each motor means to open the switches, open the by-pass inlet valve and close the by-pass exhaust valve at the end of the power stroke and to close the switches, close the by-pass inlet valve and open the by-pass exhaust valve at the end of the return stroke.

6. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, motor means to operate said presses so that one is being opened while the other is being closed, a pair of controls for each press so positioned that an operator must use both hands to operate said controls, and means to carry said controls in such position that the pairs are out of reach of the operator when at either of the presses and within reach of the hands of the operator when the operator is in the predetermined position away from both presses and each pair being arranged to be out of reach of the operators hand in operating position to the other pair, when the operator is in such predetermined position whereby both hands are required when in the predetermined position to efiect the operation of both pairs of controls.

7. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses positioned adjacent each other, motor means to operate said presses, a pair of spaced apart controls to cause said motor means to operate one press, and a second pair of spaced apart controls to cause said motor means to operate the other press, the corresponding controls of each pair being closely adjacent each other, .the closely adjacent controls of each pair being arranged to be within reach of the operators hand and the pairs being spaced apartfar enough so that each pair is out of reach of the operators hand effecting the operation of the other pair.

8. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses positioned adjacent each other, motor means to operate said presses so that when one is being opened the other is being closed, a pair of spaced apart controls to cause said motor means to operate one press, a second pair of spaced apart controls to cause said motor means to operate said second press, the corresponding controls of each pair being closely adjacent each other the closely adjacent controls of each pair being arranged to be within reach of the operators hand and the pairs being spaced apart far enough so that each pair is out of reach of the operators hand efiectingthe operation of the other pair, and means to position said controls between said presses.

9. In apparatus of the class described a pair of presses, a pair of spaced apart controls for one of said presses, a second pair of spaced apart controls for the other of said presses, corresponding controls in each pair being closely adjacent each other, the closely adjacent controls of each pair being arranged to be operated by one hand and the pairs being spaced apart far enough so.

that each pair is out of reach of the operators hand efiecting the operation of the other pair and located so that both pairs are within reach of the operators hands respectively, when the operator is in a predetermined position, means to cause said motor means to close one of said presses when the controls therefor are simultaneously operated, and means to cause said motor means to close said other press when the controls therefor are simultaneously operated.

10. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, a pair of spaced apart controls for one of said presses, a second pair of spaced apart controls for the other of said presses, corresponding controls in each pair being closely adjacent each other, the closely adjacent controls of each pair being arranged to be operated by one hand only and the pairs being spaced apart far enough so that each pair is out .of reach of the operators hand effecting the operation of the other pair, means to cause said motor means to close one of said-presses when the controls therefor are simultaneously operated, means to cause said motor means to close said other press when the controls therefor are simultaneously operated, andmeans to cause said motor means to return either of said presses to'its open position when said press is moving towards a closed position and the operation of either or both of the controls of said press is discontinued.

11. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses positioned adjacent each other, motor means to operate said presses so that when one is being opened the other is being closed, an electric control for said motor means comprising a plurality of radiation sensitive devices arranged in two spaced apart positions, two of said radiation sensitive devices being located in each of the spaced apart positions and one of the sensitive devices in each position and one of said devices in the other position controlling the operation of one of the presses and the other devices in each position controlling the operation of the other press, means to direct radiation towards each of said positions whereby said devices normally receive said radiation, and means whereby repeated simultaneous interruption of radiation towards both positions causes said motor means to alternately close one press and open the other.

12. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses positioned adjacent each other, motor means to operate said presses so that when one is being opened the other is being closed, an electric control for said motor means comprising a plurality of radiation sensitive devices arranged in two spaced apart positions, two of said radiation sensitive devices being located in each of the spaced apart positions and one of the sensitive devices in each position and one of said devices in the other position controlling the operation of one of the presses and the other devices in each position controlling the operation of the other press, means to direct radiation towards each of said positions whereby said devices normally receive said radiation, and means whereby repeated simultaneous interruption of radiation towards both positions causes said motor means to alternately close one press and open the other, said radiation devices being positioned between said presses.

13. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, motor means to operate said presses so that one is being closed while the other is being opened, an electric control for said motor means comprising a plurality of radiation sensitive devices arranged in two spaced apart positions, means to direct radiation towards each of said positions whereby said devices normally receive said radiation, means to cause said motor means to alternately close one press and open the other when the radiation towards both of said positions is simultaneously repeatedly interrupted, and means to open the press which is closing upon the re-establishment of the radiation toward either or both of said positions.

14. In apparatus of the class described, a pair Q of presses, motor means to operate said presses so that one is being opened while the other is being closed, an electric control for said motor means comprising a plurality of radiation sensitive devices arranged in two spaced apart groups, means to direct radiation towards each of said groups whereby said devices normally receive said radiation, means for causing said motor means to alternately close one press and open the other press when the radiation towards both of said groups is simultaneously interrupted at a repetition frequency having a predetermined upper limit.

15. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, motor means to operate said presses so that one is being opened while the other is being closed, an electric control for said motor means comprising a plurality of radiation sensitive devices arranged in two spaced apart groups, means to direct radiation towards each of said groups whereby said devices normally receive said radiation, means to cause said motor means to alternately close one press and open the other when said radiation to both of said groups is simultaneously interrupted at a predetermined repetition frequency, and means to disconnect a portion of said electric control for a predetermined period of time when one of said presses has been moved a predetermined distance towards its closed position.

16. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, motor means to operate said presses, a pair of photoelectric cells for one of said presses, a second pair of photoelectric cells for the other of said presses, means to position one photoelectric cell of each pair closely adjacent each other, the photoelectric cells of each pair being positioned in spaced relation, means to direct light into each of said photoelectric cells, means to cause said motor means to close one of said presses when the light directed to one of said pairs of photoelectric cells is intercepted, and means to open said press if light is directed to either or both of the photoelectric cells of said pair before said press has reached a predetermined position in the direction of closing.

17. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, motor means to operate said presses, a pair of photoelectric cells, a second pair of photoelectric cells, the cells of each pair being spaced apart and one cell of each pair being positioned closely adjacent each other so that one hand of the operator can cover both cells, means to cause light to be directed to all of said photoelectric cells, means to cause said motor means to close one of said presses when the light to both photoelectric cells of one of said pairs is intercepted, means to cause said motor means to open said press when light is permitted to fall on either of said photoelectric cells of said pair before said press has reached a predetermined position in the closing direction, and means to cause said motor means to continue the closing of said press after it has passed said predetermined position independently of said photoelectric cells.

18. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of presses, motor means to operate said presses, a pair of photoelectric cells, a second pair of photoelectric cells, the cells of each pair being spaced apart and one cell of each pair being positioned closely adjacent each other so that one hand of the operator can cover both cells, means to cause light to be directed to all of said photoelectric cells, means to cause said motor means to close one of said presses when the light to both photoelectric cells of one of said pairs is intercepted, means to cause said motor means to open said press when light is permitted to fall on either of said photoelectric cells of said pair before said press has reached a predetermined position in the closing direction, means to cause said motor means to continue the closing of said press after it has passed said predetermined position independently of said photoelectric cells, and means to render all of said photoelectric cells ineffective to operate said presses for a predetermined period of time after one of said presses has reached its closed position.

GAIUS A. BRAUN. 

